DOWA DISTRICT COMMENDED FOR UPHOLDING PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY

The vice Chairperson of Dowa district civil society network George Kaunda says the district has made strides in exercising principles of democracy.
The sentiments come as on 15 September, the world commemorates the International Day of Democracy and this year’s commemoration was under the theme, “empowering the next generation”.
Kaunda said the improvement is evidenced by the engagement of local people in different development projects as they are able to express themselves on what they want.
“People are exercising principles of democracy in the district by choosing the type of development projects, they want and electing people of their choice to represent them,” said Kaunda.
However, Kaunda stressed the need to educate people in the district on what democracy is, as most people in the district fail to distinguish between holding leaders to account and respect for authorities.
Kaunda acknowledged that most people in the district have a limited understanding of democracy, as much as exercising their rights and responsibilities is concerned.
He said most people fail to understand that they have responsibilities as they are exercising their rights and, in the end, they infringe the rights of others unknowingly.
“They do not take responsibility of taking care of infrastructures constructed by government as they consider it as the responsibility of duty bearers,” Kaunda said.
Kaunda added that lack of information among residents of Dowa is one factor that limits them to holding officials accountable as there is no detailed communication between officials and the citizens.
“An example would be the budget that the council made for this year, you will find that many people do not know the contents of the budget,” said Kaunda.
The vice chair admitted that as a district there is a need for action to fill the existing gaps in democracy.